PR 04/17 | Old Milk Plant in Xewkija, Gozo (2)

The Kamra tal-Periti welcomes with satisfaction the scheduling at Grade 2 level of the old Gozo MMU Milk Plant, which was designed by renowned architect Joseph Huntingford, and which includes a number of unique architectural elements inspired by the Modernist Movement.

In November 2016, the Kamra tal-Periti had drawn attention to this building which lies within the Xewkija Enterprise Hub, which area was undergoing a change in planning policy. The Kamra tal-Periti had called upon the Planning Authority to safeguard this building of significant architectural quality, particularly in view of the recent destruction of the administration block of the ex-Dowty factory in Mrieħel, which building was also designed in the Modernist Style and which was demolished following approval of such demolition by the Planning Authority.

The Kamra tal-Periti exhorts the Planning Authority to undergo a study of our industrial areas, which include a number of buildings in the same architectural style, and which merit protection and rehabilitation.

  • Credit: Perit George Farrugia

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8-day International Workshop organized by SADAS-PEA (Greek Architects Association)

Natural Building Techniques inspired from Traditional Constructions

September 2nd to September 9th 2017

 

Workshop Identity

The workshop is organized by SADAS-PEA (Greek Architects Association) in order to promote the principle of environmentally friendly architecture. It is addressed to young architects and students of architecture. It will take place at the Stamos Stournas guesthouse near the city of Volos, Greece between September 2nd and September 9th 2017.

The language of the workshop is English.

More information:  http://www.sadas-pea.gr/international-workshop-2017/

 

Workshop Objectives

The main objectives of the workshop are:

–          Rediscovery of environmentally friendly  construction techniques that were implemented by many generations of artisans in the past

–          Understanding of the sustainable building principles of traditional constructions, and the way those principles determined buildings’ form and function.

 

Workshop Structure

The objectives of the workshop will be implemented through:

–          Guided field trips to prehistoric settlements and traditional settlements of the Pelion peninsula and to a modern structure built with natural materials.

–          Lectures from distinguished professionals

–          Field practice in building stone foundations and unbaked clay brick walls

 

Accommodation

Workshops and participants stay will be accommodated at the Stamos Stournas guesthouse in Alli Meria, outside the city of Volos, Greece. View Map

The Stamos Stournas guesthouse, also known as Chatziargyri mansion, is a historic building built in 1864 and situated in an 8-acre land plot. It is owned by SADAS-PEA since 1963 following a donation by the family of Stamos Stournas, student of architecture.

The guesthouse has three floors, two of which (ground floor and first floor) will accommodate the participants. The ground floor has 5 rooms for 3 people each and the first floor has 2 rooms for 4 people and 2 rooms for 3 people. Each of these floors has shared bathrooms and showers. The maximum number of people that could be accommodated is 29.

The city of Volos can be approached by train or coach bus departing from Athens or Thessaloniki, the two main Greek cities that have airport.

The Pelion peninsula, the area where the workshop will take place, is one of the most beautiful regions in Greece, combining stunning nature, picturesque traditional villages, unique historic places and famously attractive beaches.

 

Fees – Diplomas

The fee for the workshop is 470€, which includes:

–          Accommodation at the guest house

–          Linen and towels

–          Self-served breakfast, lunch and dinner (some meals will be served outside the guesthouse while in field trips or nights out)

–          Transportation for the field trips

–          Transportation from the city of Volos (train station or coach station) to the guest house on arrival and back on departure

–          Diploma from SADAS-PEA certifying  the participation at the Workshop

A daily cruise to the nearby island of  will be organized in September 10th, participation is optional and the extra cost is 70 €.

Fees will be paid as soon as a participant sends the application and their participation will be confirmed as soon payment is received.

Full refund will be given up to 30 days before the workshop begins.

 

Communication

SADAS-PEA (Greek Architects Association)

Telephone: +30 2103215146
Fax: +30 2103215147
E-mail: info@sadas-pea.gr
URL: www.sadas-pea.gr

Address
Vrysakiou 15
Postal Code: 10555
Athens
Greece

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International Scientific Conference | Conversions and Reconversions of Sacred Architecture and Art

3rd International Scientific Conference

ARCHITECTURE OF LOCAL
CULTURES OF THE BORDERLAND

The Sacred – The Profane – The Sacred
Conversions and Reconversions of Sacred Architecture and Art
XX – XXI cc.

Sacral buildings changed purpose of use dilemma has been issued in the history for ages. It is also relevant today but now it appears in a more massive scale and it is still growing in its intensity.

Formerly it was the consequence of an ideological, political, military, national, social and ethnic struggle. It testified about exclusiveness of various religions. It was the result of religious activities and often a struggle with religion, different mission actions, proselytism and even religious wars. These were not sporadic cases. They were preceded by acts of permanent and continuous intolerance, ignorance and sometimes aggression. Today, more often it is the result of progressive secularization of life in the world and the depreciation of the religion as a source of value creation in human life and a testimony of his cultural heritage. Culture departs from worship, from which it is derived. It becomes alienated.

The objects of worship of one religion are not only converted into objects of different religions. Today they cease to be objects of worship at all. Regardless of the causes of such incidents and their ethical overtones, it becomes a global spreading phenomenon.

It is increasingly common that abandoned or economically inefficient temples are adapted to hotels, restaurants, apartments, shops, and even workshops, garages and entertainment places with services of a dubious reputation (brothels) and even public toilets. Today they are transformed into sophisticated phantoms, without a religious spirit larvae-mask. To this day they stand sometimes abandoned, ruined, desecrated. They cry for mercy.

Complete conversion of the sacral role of the object into a secular or even profane one, is a dangerous phenomenon as it affects the essence of culture, threatens its fundamental values, which have always been represented by it: truth, goodness and beauty.

So maybe conversions of temples, even though they seem to be morally “dubious”, in a broader perspective are necessary? If it saves them from a fall, annihilation and desecration? Especially since they may also be a pretext for mutual understanding and approchement of the Churches and their religions, their encounter and dialogue. Hopefully this dialogue will not last forever and may this meeting be that postulated by all “meeting in truth and love.”

research problems:

  • Analysis of cases of destruction or devastation of buildings of worship,
    their profanation and desacralization; aggressive or passive, when their status
    is changed from the sacred to the secular one;
  • Analysis of the occurence of conversion and reconversion in sacred
    architecture and art;
  • Elaboration of ideological assumptions and methodology, in terms of
    adaptation of sacral architecture for non-invasive functions, with a respect
    for its cult status.

aim:

The main aim of the conference is to show and assess the problem of conversion and reconversion in sacred architecture and art XX-XXI cc.

The conference has both a diagnostic purpose of revealing the essence, methodology and scope of their occurrence in history and today, and above all a goal of forecasting, revealing their importance for the health of the sacred of different religions.

 

scientific committee of the conference:

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Konrad Kucza-Kuczyński – chairman
Warsaw University of Technology, vice-chairman of KAiU PAN

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Sławomir Gzell
Warsaw University of Technology, chairman of KAiU PAN

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Witold Cęckiewicz
Cracow University of Technology, honorary chairman of KAiU PAN,
a full member of PAN; a member of Polish Academy of Learning

Prof. PhD. arch. Petar Arsić
University of Belgrade

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Wojciech Kosiński
Cracow University of Technology, a member of KAiU PAN

Prof. PhD. arch. Yuriy I. Kryvoruchko
Lviv Polytechnic National University

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Ewa Kuryłowicz
Warsaw University of Technology, a member of KAiU PAN

Prof. PhD. DSc. Jerzy Malinowski
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, chairman of PISnSS

Prof. BNTU PhD. DSc. arch. Valery F. Morozov
Bialystok University of Technology, Belarusian National Technical University

Prof. PhD. arch. UM dr arch. Svetislav G. Popovic
University of Montenegro

Prof. TUS PhD. arch. Yoshihiko Sano
Tokyo University of Science, Japan Institute of Architects (JIA)

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Jan Tajchman
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Prof. BUT PhD. DSc. arch. Jerzy Uścinowicz
Bialystok University of Technology, a member of KAiU PAN

 

program board of UIA WP „Spiritual Places”:

Prof. BUT PhD, DSc. arch. Jerzy Uścinowicz – ZG SARP, director of UIA WP SP

Prof. PhD. DSc. arch. Konrad Kucza-Kuczyński – a member of UIA WP SP

MSc. arch. Mariusz Ścisło – President of ZG SARP

PhD. arch. Jerzy Grochulski – a member of UIA board

Prof. PhD. arch. Юрiй I. Криворучко – vice-director of UIA WP SP

MSc. arch. Zygmunt Knyszewski – vice-director of UIA WP SP, a member of CIAF

 

organizing committee:

Prof. BUT PhD, DSc. arch. Jerzy Uścinowicz – chairman

PhD. arch. Janusz Grycel – secretary

PhD. arch. Agnieszka Januszkiewicz – secretary

PhD. arch. Danuta Korolczuk

PhD. arch.. Piotr Trojniel

PhD. arch. Aleksy Łapko

MSc. arch. Magdalena Dorosz

 

conference office:

Zakład Architektury Kultur Lokalnych
Wydział Architektury Politechniki Białostockiej
ul. O. Sosnowskiego 11, 15-875 Białystok, Polska

 

conditions of participation:

The inclusion criteria for participation in the conference and the publication of the paper will be a positive opinion of the Scientific Committee and reviewers. All qualified papers and announcements will be published in the form of a monograph.

The languages of communication at all sessions of the conference are Polish, English, Russian, German and French.

 

form of implementation:

  • plenary sessions in the Palace of SARP, at Bialystok University of Technology and at the Academy of Supraśl;
  • discussion session, the so-called “roundtable”, at the Academy of Supraśl;
  • summary session in the auditorium of the Academy of Supraśl;
  • study session: “Sacrum of the borderland” with visiting objects of worship;

The cultural program: concert at the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Supraśl and drama performance at Wierszalin Theatre in Supraśl.

 

dates:

  • The conference will be held on 21-23 April, 2017;
  • The deadline for sending the registration card expires on 26 March, 2017;
  • Confirmation that the conference fee has been paid should be sent by 3 April, 2017;
  • The deadline for sending paper abstracts (by email) expires on 3 April, 2017;
  • The deadline for sending full papers together with illustrative material expires on 1 July, 2017.

costs:

The cost of participation in the conference is 500 PLN per person (120 €) and includes:

  • participation in all sessions of the conference;
  • meals (2 lunches, 2 dinners);
  • the cost of travel on the route Bialystok-Supraśl-Białystok and participation in cultural events;
  • publication of the paper.

The cost of accommodation in Supraśl is expected to be approximately 150 PLN. It should be covered individually by participants. The organizer provides booking accommodations as reported in the registration card.

 

Download Application Form
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3 invited participants for the Urban settlement of the Financial District and The Marina at Colombo Port City

CHEC Port City Colombo Limited, a subsidiary of China Harbour Engineering Company, has launched an invited, single stage ideas competition for the longterm development of an innovative urban settlement adjoining the Colombo Fort to the East and Colombo South International Container Harbour to the North. The competition was launched on 6 March 2017 with the support of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and the International Union of Architects. Finnish architect Trevor Harris will represent the UIA on the international jury.

The competition is a single-phase procedure with three invited participants, whose work will be evaluated anonymously according to the UNESCO Regulations for architecture competitions:

  • Gensler
  • Nikken Sekkei
  • Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

PRIZES

The winner of the competition will be awarded 150 000 USD in addition to the sum of 150 000 USD provided to all three participants over the course of the competition.

SCHEDULE

  • Issuance of Brief:  4 March 2017
  • Site visit by participants: 31 March 2017
  • Deadline Questions/Answers: 7 April 2017
  • Submission Deadline:  Before 3 pm, 15 May 2017
  • Jury meeting: 16-19 May 2017
  • Announcement of results: No more than 2 weeks after the completion of the jury meeting
  • Awards Ceremony: TBA

JURY INTERNATIONAL

• Dr. Deborah Dearing (Australia)
• David Dernie (United Kingdom)
• Trevor Harris (Finland)
• Calvin Tsao (USA)
• Pali Wijeratne (Sri Lanka)

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Commonwealth Day 2017: A peace-building Commonwealth

Message from the Commonwealth Architects Association President:

 

As I join other Commonwealth Organisations from fifty-one other countries at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day Service on the occasion of Commonwealth Day 2017 I wish to send my greetings to all Architects’ Organisations in the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Day, held on the second Monday in March each year, is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote the Commonwealth’s shared values of peace, democracy and equality, and to celebrate the association’s rich diversity.

The theme chosen for this year’s Commonwealth Day is that of ‘A peace-building Commonwealth’. This is appropriate and important when considering the ever increasing instability and uncertainty in the world. As announced by the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General, “the Commonwealth family of nations in its rich diversity becomes an ever more-needed source of strength and hope for all its members”. ‘A peace-building Commonwealth’ is a natural follow-on from the 2016’s theme of ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’, and reaffirms the Commonwealth Charter’s principle that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all mankind.

The Commonwealth Charter expresses the commitment of Member States to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth. The Charter also acknowledges the role of civil society in supporting the goals and values of the Commonwealth.

The 2016 Global Peace Index highlighted the continuing deterioration in the overall global levels of peace. Among the 163 countries mapped, it found a widening gap between the most
and the least peaceful. Of the index’s chosen indicators “the impact of terrorism” and “political instability” showed the sharpest decline. The report attributes the global deterioration to
conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa and the associated international repercussions. The number of refugees and displaced persons doubled between 2007 and 2015 to nearly 60
million, accounting for more than 10% of the population in nine countries.

The Commonwealth Association of Architects is one of more than 80 intergovernmental, professional and civil society organisations within the Commonwealth family that can proactively engage with, and contribute towards, the pursuit and strengthening of peace through their work. As architects, we have a special place in all this as through our designs and buildings we contribute to the well being of society and to the quality of life of our citizens. Quality designs and buildings contribute to a better society and thus to a better world and more importantly to a better and peaceful world.

Our designs come in different forms and at different times during the development of the urban fabric; either in the design of new buildings or renovation of buildings in existing towns and cities or in the design of new settlements following war or conflict. Spontaneous construction and a lack of strong civil governance are symptomatic of post-conflict cities. The role for architects and architecture in addressing these challenges is crucial.

Rapid and often unplanned urbanization continues unabated and this is aggravating the impacts of a range of natural and man-made disasters. Armed conflict and the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas cause death and injury amongst civilians; earthquakes inflict unique levels of devastation in cities, as do severe storms and floods. But urban areas can also offer sanctuary for the majority of internally displaced people and refugees.

Urbanisation intersects with climate change, natural disasters, conflict and displacement. It is a critical lens through which to review national and international efforts to prevent, prepare for
and respond to crisis, conflict and disasters. Moreover, displacement, conflict and natural disasters are increasingly becoming an urban phenomena.

These issues generate new challenges and in order to address such issues a number of initiatives at an international level have emerged.

It is of interest to note that CAA has recently joined the Global Alliance for Urban Cities which is a global, multi-disciplinary and collaborative community of practice. It is a ‘network of networks’ working to prevent, prepare for and effectively respond to humanitarian crises in urban settings. Its first milestone for progress was the Habitat III held in October 2016.

The Alliance promotes a vision of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and towns (as laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development) in which urban communities, their leaders and members have the power, capacities and resources to address the risks and reality of humanitarian crises, to mitigate crisis impacts on the most vulnerable, including the displaced, and to enable affected people to determine, with dignity, the course of their lives and their futures.

Let us hope that the theme of this day will be kept in our minds, not only throughout 2017, but also in years to come and that through our actions we will contribute to a peaceful Commonwealth and more importantly to a peaceful world.

 

Vincent Cassar
President

 

Commonwealth Day 2017: Message by Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Day 2017: Message by Commonwealth Secretary General

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Revitalization of the Cluj-Napoca “Romulus Vuia” Ethnographic Park Area – Hoia Forest

The Architects’ Chamber of Romania announces the launch of the International Solutions Competition Revitalization of the Cluj-Napoca “Romulus Vuia” Ethnographic Park Area – Hoia Forest.

The competition aims at identifying the best solution for revitalizing the “Romulus Vuia” Ethnographic Park Area – Hoia Forest in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

The premise of the competition consists in the opportunity of extending the current Park, in terms of capitalization on the territory and from a functional standpoint, as well. The Museum Park will be developed into a functional complex, where cultural values will be complemented by learning values, direct experimentation, recreational and leisure opportunities etc.

The organizer of the competition is the Architects’ Chamber of Romania and its promoter is the Cluj County Council, which is also the land owner and the beneficiary of the competition’s results.

 

Schedule:

Official launch of the competition on the Electronic System for Public Procurement (SEAP) of Romania: March 3, 2017

Registrations for site visit: March 9, 2017

Site visit: March 10, 2017

Deadline for submission of entries: April 19, 2017, 16:00 h. (EET)

Preliminary assessment of entries (examination of technical committee): April 20-21, 2017

Jury session: April 22-24, 2017

Official announcement of winners (press conference with the jury): April 25, 2017

Publication of results on the competition’s official website: May 9, 2017

Deadline for submission of appeals: 10 days from the results’ publication date.

 

Prizes:

First Prize: 31 500 RON (approx. 6950 €)

Second Prize 22 500 RON (approx. 4960 €)

Third Prize18 000 RON (approx. 3970 €)

The estimated value of the contract that will be assigned to the competition’s winner amounts to 118 275 €, VAT excluded.

More information can be found on the official page of the competition:

http://oar.archi/en/concursuri/ethnographic-park-cluj-1

 

Press contact:

Iulia Cucu, Communication Adviser

E-mail: iulia.cucu@oar.archi

E-mail: concursuri@oar.archi

Tel: +40 730.092.199

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China Weihai International Architectural Design Competition

Since 2004, China Weihai International Architectural Design Competition and International University Student Architectural Design Competition have been jointly hosted by the Architectural Society of China, the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Shandong Province, and the Municipal People’s Government of Weihai. The competitions are divided into two parts, architects and students, and so far they have been successfully held for eight times. 2017 The Ninth China Weihai International Architectural Design Competition and International University Student Architectural Design Competition are due to be held, continuing to be one of the most influential, recognized and largest international competitions.

Objective:

To explore effective ways of integrating architecture into localities, cultures, environment and eco-systems; to comprehensively consider the relationship between social, ecological, cultural and historical factors and architecture; to achieve harmony between architecture and human, architecture and city, architecture and nature.

 

The Ninth China Weihai International Architectural Design Competition (for architects)

Theme:

Healthy City, Sharing Benefits

The fast global urbanization for a long time has resulted in a rapid increase of city quantity and scale, which provides a broad economic and social development space at the same time poses severe challenges to human health. The concept “healthy city” is a new proposition brought by profound reflection on urban development and its problems. To construct “healthy city” is the most direct and specific practice adhering to the people-oriented principle.

“Healthy city” is not the ultimate goal, is a process of constant development realized progressively by improving urban design, architectural sustainability and information technology, in order to achieve effective and healthy development of the city.

Requirements for drawings:

  1. The panel should be A0 size (please download at the Architectural Society of China website www.chinaasc.org). Participants should provide two electronic copies of A0 panel design plan (300DPI), named after project’s name and numbered in sequence.
  2. No restrictions on expression. A 1000-word explanation of the concept should be provided and can be combined with the drawing. Finished projects must provide project overview, photographic records, drawing, illustration, with project name, design institute, construction venue and completion time within1000 words.
  3. The official language is English, measured by metric unit.

Awarding scheme (for architects):

Two first prizes receive 50,000 yuan each; 5 second prizes receive 30,000 yuan each; 10 third prizes receive 10,000 yuan each; undefined number of honorable mentions receive 2000 yuan each (accounting for 10% of the total entries).The prizes mentioned above are not liable for tax.

 

2017 International University Student Architectural Design Competition (for students)

Theme:

Micro space: repair design in urban and rural areas

When more and more land resources are built into the environment, the space quality becomes increasingly more important. If the dominantly manifested micro space is disordered, the overall street or community quality will be reduced. In this regard, participants should find and define one “micro space”.

Participant:

Participants can be enrolled students in all colleges and universities both at home and abroad. They can have mentors to guide them. (Student number less than 6, mentor less than 2).

Requirements for drawings:

  1. The panel should be A0 size (please download at the Architectural Society of China website www.chinaasc.org). Participants should provide two electronic copies of A0 panel design plan, named after project’s name and numbered in sequence.
  2. No restrictions on expression. A 1000-word explanation of the concept should be provided and can be combined with the drawing.
  3. The official language is English, measured by metric unit

Awarding scheme (for students):

Two first prizes receive 30,000 yuan each; 5 second prizes receive 20,000 yuan each; 15 third prizes receive 6,000 yuan each; undefined number of honorable mentions receive 2000 yuan each (accounting for 15% of the total entries). 22 best guide mentor awards (only certificate, for first, second and third prizes). The prizes mentioned above are not liable for tax.

 

Main dates:

May 30, 2017       Registration deadline

July 31, 2017       Submission deadline for entries

Early August 2017   Review of entries

September 2017     Award presentation and exhibition

 

 

Charge:

The entries are free, without registration and panel production charge.

Competition rules:

  1. Any author’s name and employer’s words or pictures shall not be on the electronic drawings. Those who do not meet the requirements will be disqualified;
  2. Participants own copyright for entries. The organizers have the right to exercise other copyrights except authorship.

 

Organizers:

Hosted by:

Architectural Society of China

Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Shandong Province

The Municipal People’s Government of Weihai

 

Organized by:

China Habitat Award Office

The Urban-Rural Development Committee of Weihai

Weihai Architectural Culture Media Center

 

Contacts:

(1) Architectural Society of China
Address: 9 Sanlihe Road, Beijing , China
Zip code: 100835
Liaison person: Wu Pujuan

Tel: 86-10-88082237

email：ascwpj@126.com

(2) Weihai Architectural Culture Media Center
Address：149 Room, Guangming Road, Huancui District, Weihai, Shangdong Province, China

Tel：0086-631-5181266、5181211

email：72888@163.com、73888@163.com

qq:  38790631、77620631

fax：0086-631-5181211

 

Notice on 2017 China Weihai International Architectural Design Competition

Application Form (Architects)

Application Form (Students)

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BRO announces new EPC Dwellings Assessors Course

The Building Regulation Office is inviting persons who with to attend these training courses to apply by downloading the form from the BRO website and submitting the application with proof of qualifications (original documents) to the

Building Regulation Office
Horn Works Ditch
Emvin Cremona Street
Floriana

Applications and payment for courses will be received from the 8th to the 22nd March 2017 on business days between 8am and 12pm.

The entry requirements for these courses are: a degree in architecture and civil engineer, or civil engineering, or building services, or mechanical, or electrical engineering conferred by the University of Malta, or an equivalent degree.

Further information may be obtained from bro@gov.mt or helpline 2292 7343 during office hours.

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Digital submission of Third-Party Documentation to BRO

The Building Regulations Office has announced that as from Thursday 9th March 2017 all Third Party Documentation requested in LN 72/2013 is to be submitted to the Building Regulation Office in digitised format via e-mail to commencement.bro@gov.mt.  The permit number is to be inserted as the email subject to simplify the BRO’s internal processes.

The same email can be used to submit any queries or additional material.

The original bank guarantee should still reach the BRO in paper format. The processing of third party documents shall be processed only after the bank guarantee reaches the BRO.

For further information please refer to the Building Regulation Office’s website or call on 2292 7720.

 

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KTP welcomes new Geoserver

The Planning Authority has recently launched a new online geographic information system (GIS) that allows users to access planning data in a fast, efficient and user-friendly manner, particular when compared with the previous system that had been in place for a number of years.


The new GeoServer provides significant functionality, and will also allow for the sharing of data gathered by other departments and authorities.


The Kamra tal-Periti congratulates the Planning Authority on the launch of its new portal, particularly in view of its speed and the upgraded graphic representation of data.


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